Specifc Postpartum Examinations

Question 1

What to look for when doing a perenial exam?

Answer 1

Bruising and any tears
Check to make sure healing process is going good

Question 2

Advice to take care of perenium

Answer 2

Regularly change your pad
Keep dry and clean
Only use water
Pelvic floor exercises

Question 3

What to look for when doing a breast examination?

Answer 3

Any soreness
Bleeding
Mastitis

Question 4

What does bleeding/sore nipples show?

Answer 4

Latching is don’t incorrectly
Offer breastfeeding support
Ask to watch a feed

Question 5

What to do if mastitis is seen?

Answer 5

Refer to GP for antibiotics
Breastfeeding should continue during the course

Question 6

What to do about sore nipples?

Answer 6

Use breastmilk as moisturiser
Nipple cream

Question 7

When asking about lochia

Answer 7

Ask to see a pad
Ask about clot sizes in relation to something (e.g: 50p coin)

Question 8

When checking legs

Answer 8

Swelling
Could be odema or DVT

Question 9

Difference between odema and DVT

Answer 9

DVT cause painful swelling, pain and heat
Odema is just normal swelling

Question 10

When checking the abdomen

Answer 10

Checking for involution
Checking that the C-section scar is healing well

Question 11

What can be done for delayed bowel movements?

Answer 11

Check their diet and fluid intake
Laxatives
Place a pad on the perenium when going for a app (psychological trauma)

Question 12

Why do women that have C-sections have delayed bowel movements compared to vaginal births?

Answer 12

Organs have been moved therefore needs time to settle

Question 13

How long after birth should a woman urinate?

Answer 13

6 hours
If not, a catheter will be placed

Question 14

Tips to ease pain on urination

Answer 14

Drink lots of water to dilute urine
Pee in a bath
Pour water whilst peeing